Restoring a Mission Revival Landmark in Downtown Fort Lauderdale

Constructed in 1938, the Coca-Cola Bottling Plant in Fort Lauderdale stands as a testament to the city's economic resilience during the Great Depression. Designed by architect Courtney Stewart in the Mission/Spanish Revival style, the building features distinctive stucco facades, arched openings, and a prominent corner tower. As one of the few industrial structures of its kind in the region, it symbolizes Fort Lauderdale's growth and modernization in the early 20th century. After ceasing bottling operations in the 1970s, the building underwent various uses and modifications. Recent restoration efforts aim to return the structure to its former glory, preserving its historical and architectural significance for future generations 

Austin Historical’s Restoration Scope

Steel Window Restoration

Our team meticulously restored 36 steel windows, encompassing 55 sashes and 508 individual lites, across the building's facades. Each operable sash was carefully removed, and openings were secured with OSB during the restoration process. On-site, fixed lites and frames were stripped of deteriorated paint, glazing putty, and glass. We assessed and repaired window mechanics to ensure proper functionality, addressing any damaged steel with new stock or epoxy as needed. All metal components were treated with Ospho rust treatment, primed with industrial-strength primer, and finished with two coats of 100% acrylic paint. Glazing involved bedding 5/16" clear laminated glass in Tremco Spectrum 2 silicone sealant, secured with steel spring clips, and finished with linseed oil putty. Existing hardware was tuned, restored, and reinstalled, with additional hardware provided as necessary. Our scope also included engineering, shop drawings, and submittals, as well as relocating and repurposing specific second-story windows on the east facade.

Custom Door Fabrication

We fabricated and installed a custom paint-grade entry door, approximately 48" x 84", crafted from rot-resistant Accoya wood to match the existing door on the sister building at the Ocala Coca-Cola Plant. The 2-1/8" thick door features mortise and tenon joinery, sanded smooth, primed with oil-based primer, and finished with two coats of premium acrylic paint. Installation included three 5" unlacquered brass ball-bearing hinges with ball tips and an entry set hardware allowance of $800, ensuring proper operation and aesthetic consistency.

Compliance and Support Services

Our comprehensive services encompassed travel to the site, mobilization, demobilization, EPA-certified lead paint cleanup and containment, and the removal of all waste and debris. While scaffolding, lifts, and Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) were provided by others, we obtained a performance bond and engaged a structural engineer to provide sealed drawings addressing changes in openings by the contractor. Additionally, we supplied and installed locking handles for steel casement windows, including three left-handed and four right-handed locks, to enhance security and functionality.

Preservation Standards

All restoration work adhered strictly to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties, ensuring that each intervention respected the building's historical significance and architectural integrity. Our efforts contribute to the ongoing preservation of this iconic structure, supporting its continued use and appreciation by future generations.